Welcome to HJ's New Wave where we speak to up-and-coming stylists to find out what drives them, what's inspiring them and what they'd like to see change in the industry.
HJ's New Wave: Justin Mackland
Role: Freelance Hair Stylist
Salon/Co-working space: Vanity Studio
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Age: 34
Pronouns: he/him
IG: @justinmackland
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education?
There was always massive pressure for me to go to university, but I really struggled in classroom environments. As hairdressers we need to be more hands on. When I was at school I had no idea I would become a hairdresser; I loved art and did a lot of stage work in theatre which is nice because it translates into the work I’ve done at Salon international. At school there was a big pressure to feel like we had to be doctors or social workers and at the time hairdressing was seen as a very low-income job. It never really crossed my mind; it was never on my agenda and it wasn’t until I was 25 years old that it fell into my lap and I thought let’s do this! I struggled to get into a salon because of my age and a mature apprenticeship wasn’t really a thing but luckily one of the best salons took me on.
What was your first job?
I went straight into retail and worked my way up from a Christmas temp to a Department Supervisor. I loved it, I love fashion - looking back now it’s outrageous that I was 19 years old and running a whole department but working in customer service gave me the tools and skills that I use now.
Why did you become a hairdresser?
I thought it was going to be easy… I got upset in training because I couldn’t do it. I was 25 years old and hadn’t touched a hair on anyone’s head and I struggled. Eventually I got accepted into one of the more prestigious salons in Aberdeen and then when I was a Level 2 apprentice Salon International was a turning point for me. It showed me what sort of hairdresser I could be. So, I worked hard every day to be the person I wanted to be. The BHAs were always an inspiration because the salon owner where I worked would go so that really motivated and inspired me.
What do you love about the industry?
I love that it’s always changing, there’s always something new to learn. I love the community especially. Lockdown was a big moment for me to network and now I’ve got friends for life in all corners of the country. There’s aways someone willing to help or have you assist on a shoot. I think before I was told it was quite toxic or “bitchy” but I’ve never experienced anything like that. The industry in the UK is incredible and the community is special.
What would you like to change about the industry?
I’d love to change the current curriculum that students/apprentices are taught such as perfecting lived in techniques and other popular in-salon colouring techniques involving placement. I also believe a graduated bob should be part of the Level 2 curriculum and not just as a creative cut for Level 3 in Scotland. I think it needs a fresh look - nobody’s doing pin curls in a salon anymore. I think there’s so much more that could be an advantage to learning in a college.
What’s your favourite hair creation?
Anything from any of Tim Scott Wright’s collections always speak to me. He is so incredibly talented, and I love his vision and execution every single time.
Who inspires you in the industry?
Legit every single hairdresser I meet inspires me for different reasons: whether it’s talent, resilience or passion. I’m so incredibly fortunate to have so many great, talented friends in this industry and I love how we all continue to push and inspire each other.
Do you have any career goals?
I’d love to have a winning collection at the British Hairdressing Awards [sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional], have my own stage slot on the HJ Stage at Salon International and to win a British Hairdressing Business Award. These events motivate and push me every single year and I’m so excited to see what the future has in store for me.
